H₂ and O₂ activation - A remarkable insight into hydrogenase

This article summarizes the development of a range of organometallic, biomimetic analogues of [NiFe]hydrogenases and their employment in a new generation of H₂-O₂ fuel cells. It begins with a summary of O₂-sensitive and O₂-tolerant enzyme chemistry before detailing the properties and functionality of our biomimetic complexes, including: the first ever fully functional model, selective H₂ and O₂ activation, and the first catalyst using only common metals. These systems are centered on Ni-Fe, Ni-Ru, Ir-Ir, and Rh-Rh cores and use a range of ligands that all follow a set of design principles described herein. The development of a range of organometallic, biomimetic analogues of [NiFe]hydrogenases and their employment in a new generation of H ₂-O₂ fuel cells are described. This account begins with a summary of O₂-sensitive and O₂-tolerant enzyme chemistry before detailing the properties and functionality of our biomimetic complexes, including: the first ever fully functional model, selective H₂ and O₂ activation, and the first catalyst using only common metals.